It has been a delight to see some of you in person and speak with others on the phone or on ZOOM this summer! If we haven’t had an opportunity to connect with each other personally yet, please know I look forward to the pleasure of getting to know you! I hope the second year of your Chapter presidency is going smoothly as we all work to re-engage members in the benefits of belonging to DKG.

My theme for this biennium is “Moving Forward with Purpose and Passion.” Over the next two years we will reassess what is sacred to our state organization, identifying the principles and traditions that we cannot exist without, and collaboratively embrace new practices and technology to create sustainability.

In that spirit, as NYSO President I will continue the periodic newsletter to Chapter Presidents, but with a new twist - President’s News - “Jen’s Gems!” The goal will remain to provide ongoing, focused support and information to Chapter Presidents as you lead and serve the nucleus of our organization: members at the Chapter level.

Please note: I have changed my email address for this biennium to provide better service to NYSO DKG members. When sending correspondence, please use nysdkgpres2123@gmail.com, and I will do my very best to respond to you promptly.

Thank you for working with your Chapter Treasurer to collect and submit the dues in a timely fashion. I appreciate that some may still be transitioning to the changes in the timeline implemented by DKG International in 2020.

A gentle reminder, Chapter Treasurers MUST file IRS form 990N annually by November 15th. This typically takes about five minutes to do electronically. You may open the blue link to the 990 Form by clicking on the blue text, and access a Youtube video for assistance in the same manner. Chapters are encouraged to complete this task at your earliest convenience.

Please know that State Treasurer Suzanne Patrick (spatrick308938@gmail.com) is very knowledgeable and is always willing to assist with any questions you may have about financial matters.

I am pleased to announce that I have appointed Karen Crumley, Tau, to serve as Parliamentarian for the 2021-2023 biennium. Karen is a trained Parliamentarian and has a wealth of DKG experience at the Chapter, State, and International levels that will benefit our State Organization and State Executive Committee. This created a vacancy in our State Executive Secretary position. Dr, Anna Marie Bonafide, Alpha Nu, eagerly accepted the call to leadership. Anna Marie attended training offered by DKG International at the end of July, and is currently being mentored by Karen during her transition to the job. We are blessed to have both women join us on the Executive Committee.

Please see the current list of Important Dates created by Executive Secretary, Dr. Anna Marie Bonafide, and note:

• Orders for the NYSO DKG Supplemental Directory are due by August 31 - the cost is $5. Order forms may be found here or on the State website at dkgnystate.org

• Pi Lights submissions are due by September 1. We are eager to showcase news from your Chapters! Please send your articles and pictures to Pi Lights editor, Kim Goldhirsh (kgpilightseditor@gmail.com), CC’ing me (nysdkgpres2123@gmail.com), so that I may approve your information.

• Three Area Councils are hosting conferences this fall. We hope you can join us for one of these events! Please open the links for registration forms:

• Northwest/Southwest - “Know Your Carbon Footprint,” September 25, 2021, in person

• East Central - “Finding One Voice: Advocacy as Your Contribution to Equity in Education,” Tuesday, October 12, 2021 - VIRTUAL

North Central - “Auburn’s Equal Rights Heritage,” Saturday, October 23, 2021, in person

Thank you for taking the time to read this edition of President’s News - “Jen’s Gems.” As we enjoy the waning days of summer, I hope you have found the information valuable.

Best,

Jen

Jennifer Lee-Alden

NYSO President 2021-2023